India’s top drug regulator has expressed serious concern about the quality of medicines in the country. He stressed that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is taking proactive steps to improve and reinforce drug quality standards, with patient welfare as its top priority.
At the 3rd International Patients’ Union Conference held on April 7, 2025, at the India International Centre in New Delhi, Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), expressed significant concerns regarding the quality of medicines in the country. He emphasised that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is actively working to enhance and strengthen drug quality standards, placing patient welfare at the forefront of its efforts.
Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, addressed the conference, highlighting the ongoing journey toward a high-quality, patient-centric healthcare system. He underscored the importance of ensuring access to healthcare without imposing excessive stress on public expenditure, encompassing prevention, health promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The conference, themed 'Serving the Patients in the Digital Age,' was organised by the International Patients’ Union (IPU), founded by Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, former advisor to the Union Health Minister, Government of India. The IPU aims to provide patients with access to a network of healthcare providers, policymakers, and resources, enabling their active participation in shaping the future of healthcare.
During the event, the IPU launched a Fellowship Program in partnership with the Centre for Health, Innovation, Policy & Digital Health at IIM Raipur. This initiative will involve selected applicants working directly with patients, with their insights compiled into actionable policy recommendations to be submitted to NITI Aayog.
The conference also addressed the challenges posed by Long COVID, with Dr K Madan Gopal, Advisor, Public Health Administration, NHSRC, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, emphasising the potential impact on India's demographic dividend due to productivity losses. He stressed the need for prompt action to mitigate these effects.
The discussions at the conference underscored the critical need for stringent quality control in the pharmaceutical sector and the importance of patient-centred approaches in healthcare policy. The collaboration between regulatory bodies, healthcare institutions, and patient advocacy groups is vital to ensure the delivery of safe and effective medicines to the population.
